Composite Materials Education in the United States
Abstract
The modern revolution of composite materials began in the 1950s with the development of the filament winding technique for glass fibers to make rocket motor cases. The usefulness of composites expanded dramatically in the 1960s and 1970s with the advent of first boron and then graphite fibers. Now, with the composite technology that is increasingly attractive to an ever-broadening group of industries, it is necessary to educate a larger number of engineers in analysis. design, and fabrication of composite structures. Engineering curricula have not been revised by all institutions to respond to the need for engineers with knowledge of composites. However, some institutions have developed strong, innovative programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Moreover, postgraduate learning in the form of short courses and seminars has played an important role in the development of composites technology. Current programs at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels are reviewed.